But if you want as good an explanation as any, you should look no further than the Jazz bench, which was a huge strength earlier in the series, but has since become almost as much of a detriment, seemingly overnight.

Indeed, it took a group effort to flop as spectacularly as Utah did on Tuesday night, when the Rockets handed out a 95-69 whipping and figuratively left tiremarks on the Jazz in Game 5.

But the bench stands out for its futility because Utah has been defined by its impressive depth this season. And that's why the lack of effective play on Tuesday night was so glaring.

"When the bench produces, we win games," Jazz forward Paul Millsap said. "It wasn't one of our best nights. We have to perform better than that."

The Jazz received nine points on Tuesday night from its bench of Millsap, Matt Harpring, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Price, and that's including a meaningless jumper from Jason Hart during garbage time. They were outscored 18-0 in the second period alone. Those statistics were bad enough, but more concerning was the lack of hustle plays and the contributions that never show up in a box score.

And even more concerning is the fact that the Rockets' bench, led by Bobby Jackson, lit it up the entire game, a factor that was a key to Houston's ability to turn the game into a blowout.

Aside from the production in the scoring column, the continuity in Game 5 wasn't there. Korver usually plays the entire second quarter in place of Ronnie Brewer, but he was pulled about halfway through the period when it was clear that he wasn't playing as well as coach Jerry Sloan liked.

"I thought he was struggling out there," Sloan said. "At this time of the year, you have to be ready to go when you hit the floor."

So the question is, how does Utah fix the problem? Several Jazz players pointed to the lack of playing time, saying that it was difficult to get into a rhythm because the starters are playing extended minutes in the postseason. Whatever the issue, it's clear that Utah needs substantial positive minutes from its core of reserves if they plan on ending the series tonight at EnergySolutions Arena.

"Collectively, we haven't executed the offense well," Price said. "If you don't do that, it's tough to score points."

tjones@sltrib.com